Press Release No. 105-03
24 March 2003
PHILIPPINES EXPELS TWO IRAQI DIPLOMATS

Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today summoned Iraqi Embassy Charge d’Affaires Samir Bolus to inform him that the Philippines has withdrawn the diplomatic accreditation of two Iraqi diplomats and that these two Iraqi diplomats are to leave the Philippines within 72 hours.

“I arrived at this decision after consulting with Philippine defense, security and intelligence agencies.  I am convinced that these two diplomats have engaged in activities that are contrary to their status as diplomats.  I have withdrawn their accreditation and expect them to leave within the time I have given them,” Secretary Ople said.

The Secretary handed Mr. Bolus a note verbale withdrawing the diplomatic accreditation of Mr. Abdul Karim M. Shwaikh, First Secretary and Mr. Karim Nassir Hamid, Attache, both of the Iraqi embassy in Manila.

The Secretary said that before and after the expulsion of Iraqi diplomat Second Secretary Husham Z. Hussein on 12 February 2003, he had given the Iraqi Embassy ample warnings not to engage in activities that are contrary to their diplomatic status.

In response to queries as to whether the expulsion of these two diplomats were made at the behest of the US Government, Secretary Ople said that “The decision to expel these diplomats is one that was made based on our own determinations and in the context of our national interests.”

“I have stated previously that the Philippines will not hesitate to take decisive action when the actions of a diplomat are contrary to their accredited status” Secretary Ople said. “This is an extreme measure and one that is proper under the circumstance,” he added.

“This is also an exceptional action on our part, one that we have had to use sparingly.  For the diplomats that we host are extremely professional and have only the strengthening of our relations as their objective,” Secretary Ople said.

“I did not elaborate on the basis of our decision, nor did I have to. Under international and diplomatic law, a host state need not give any reason for withdrawing the accreditation of a diplomat and in asking him to leave,” Secretary Ople added.

“I however told Mr. Bolus that I am not granting the request of the US Government to close the Iraqi Embassy in Manila, as it is our intention to maintain our relations,” Secretary Ople said.

“I also asked Mr. Bolus to explain the statement of President Hussein that Iraq will bring the war beyond Iraq’s borders.  Mr. Bolus assured me that Iraq does not pose a threat to the Philippines,” the Secretary said. END.